Top Things To Do in El Nido, Palawan

When you hear the province Palawan, you would definitely think about El Nido and Coron. I will write a different post on what is better among the two. Right now, I want to share the top things to do when you’re in El Nido. These are based on my personal experiences and travel styles. Anyone would have different ways on how to spend their trip in El Nido but these are the things I recommend;

1. Taking a swing in 7 Commandos Beach.

7 Commandos Beach

7 Commandos Beach

It somehow gives you the feeling of freedom, forgetting everything and concentrating on the goodness of life. Your mind goes back to being a kid again, worry free, being able to appreciate simple things. It is very therapeutic, a simple thing which gives anyone a moment of bliss and peace of mind.

2. Kayaking, SUP in Small and Big Lagoon

Kayaking in Small Lagoon

Big Lagoon El Nido

Kayaking and SUP in Small Lagoon El Nido

These activities shouldn’t be missed. If you do an island hopping to Small and Big Lagoon, you should rent a kayak to go inside the lagoons. You can also swim but the shallow waters are not safe for swimming as you might step into some sharp corals and sea urchins. Kayaking also gives you the chance to explore the deepest part of the lagoons so it is very advisable. The rent is only P300.00 so I think it is fair enough considering the beauty you would see.

3. Snorkeling and Finding Nemo in Shimizu Island

Shimizu Island

Finding Nemo in Shimizu Island

Yay! So here comes snorkeling. This is one of my favorite activities, maybe I was a mermaid in my previous life. I just love looking at different kinds of marine life, I like the feeling of being one of them. Looking at the wonderful colors gives me some kind of happiness and contentment, makes me think that life is very beautiful and everything is in its right place. Makes me want to protect these things living underwater.

4. Surviving the waves and Swimming through a small hole to see the Secret Beach

Secret Beach El Nido

This is how it looks like inside. Behind this photo is a wall of big rocks, the only entrance is the hole located in the middle of those two rocks. It was dangerous to go inside without the help of the boatmen and guides. They are very good at assisting tourists to go inside. The waves here are crazy, you really need extra strength to get through this beach. But once you are inside, you would soon realize that it’s all worth it. The beach itself is beautiful, it’s serene and unique.

5. Visiting Caves and Snake Island (Tour B)

Tour B cave

Snake Island

Most of the tourists who travel to El Nido skip Tour B simply because Tour A and C are the best destinations. Well, I couldn’t argue with that. If I needed to choose I would also choose Tour A and C and drop Tour B. But I’m lucky enough to see them all. Tour B highlights the Snake Island, it looks like a long snake connecting two islands. It looks good from above. You should be here early in the morning when the tide is low or else the sandbar won’t be visible enough. The caves are also awesome but we were able to see just two of them due to schedule restriction. We combined Tour B and C in a single day since we rented a private boat.

6. Snorkeling and Freediving in Matinloc Shrine.

Matinloc Shrine El Nido

Freediving at Matinloc Shrine

amazing coral reefs of Matinloc Shrine

Freediving at Matinloc Shrine

Maybe I haven’t seen much but it’s safe to say that Matinloc Shrine has one of the best coral reefs I’ve seen so far. It’s just well preserved, full of colors. I wished I bought a dome for my gopro before coming here, I’ve seen some dome shots taken here and it’s really amazing. This site is one of the highlights of my El Nido tour, this is my favorite actually. We spent almost the whole day just playing here. Such a bliss! I want to go back to El Nido because of Matinlock Shrine.

7. Climbing Taraw Cliff

Taraw Cliff, photo courtesy of http://www.nomadicpinoy.com

Well, I don’t have any photo to show you since I didn’t have the chance to climb Taraw Cliff. I just chose a random photo from google, the owner of the photo is http://www.nomadicpinoy.com. This is one of my reasons to go back to El Nido. Climbing Taraw Cliff is one of the things that shouldn’t be missed when you visit El Nido Palawan.

 

So there you go folks, those are the top things to do when you are in El Nido according to me. If you plan to travel to Palawan soon and you need some advice, just hit me a comment. See you next time.

 

 

Coron, Palawan

Regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Coron in Palawan continues to attract visitors both locally and internationally. Now I know what the fuss is all about, words can’t really do any justice to its remarkable marine life and aerial beauty. I want to share some of my aerial and underwater snapshots that would make you want to book the next flight to Coron.

Green Lagoon Coron, Palawan

Green Lagoon Coron, Palawan

I was in awe the first time I set my eyes on this lagoon, it was stunningly beautiful. The water is so clear, so pure, and aquamarine. Taking a plunge from the boat into the cold water is such a bliss. I remember we were all giggles while we were swimming.

Twin Lagoon Coron, Palawan

Twin Lagoon Coron, Palawan

Twin Lagoon Coron, Palawan

If you visit Coron on a budget, I suggest Coron Backpacker Guesthouse. They offer one of the cheapest rates, you can get a room for P500.00 which is a good deal especially for solo backpackers. They offer free coffee, a kitchen to cook and eat, and a living room to socialize with other guests. It’s very homey and the staffs are friendly.

Barracuda Lake Coron, Palawan

Freediving at Barracuda Lake Coron

Freediving at Barracuda Lake Coron

You haven’t really experienced Coron if you missed Barracuda and Kayangan Lake. They are two of the most popular attractions. The thing is you need to avail Tour A and B to experience both otherwise you can also rent a private boat and choose the destinations that you prefer. Please note that the entrance fees are not included when you choose a private tour.

Skeleton Wreck Coron, Palawan

Skeleton Wreck Coron, Palawan

Coron offers a remarkable marine life, you must try scuba diving to see some WWII shipwrecks otherwise you can always do free diving. It’s fun and inexpensive, you just need to bring your freeediving fins and mask and you’re all set.

Coron, Palawan

I’m in love with this place, I mean who wouldn’t right? It’s such a beauty.

The Gentle Giants of Oslob, Cebu

Well, who would have thought that these enormous sea creatures are  harmless to humans. Well they don’t eat human flesh, they eat planktons. And they are really achieving popularity nowadays. I was here on July of 2014.

You can also find these “butandings” in Legaspi, Albay but I think it’s only seasonal. In Oslob, you can see these whalesharks all year round.

How to Get There:

Just ride a plane bound to Cebu International Airport. You can find good deals or wait for seat sales of Airasia and Cebupacific.

From Mactan airport, ride a cab to South bus terminal (P250.-300.00). From there, ride a Ceres bus going to Oslob ( P150.00) 3 hrs. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tan-awan. Depending on your itinerary, you can opt to find a place to stay or go directly to the whaleshark watching site. Just ask directions from the locals on how to go to Brgy. hall where a seminar is conducted before the whaleshark watching.

Expenses:

airport to bus Terminal : P200 -250
Bus ride to Oslob: P150
Whaleshark watching: P500 for 30 minutes /1500 for foreigners

If you will stay in Tan-awan, I recommend Chateau de Tan-awan. We paid P850 for overnight stay, they also serve breakfast P150.00. It’s really worth it and you must try their banana cake.

Cebu whaleshark

Cebu whaleshark

Oslob Cebu whaleshark

Oslob Cebu whaleshark

You can watch my video in Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZAPaCSgDKk

Tips:

break your own snorkeling gears, be at the whaleshark watching area early in the morning. Oslob is really popular nowadays, expect a flock of tourists.

Kapurpurawan Ilocos Norte

Alas! I got the chance to blog again. I’ve been so busy lately. There are many places I’ve been to since my last blog. I’ll try to post them soon.

I just want to share some photos of my Ilocos trip, I never got the chance to update my blog after my last post.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Kapurapurawan Rock Formation

Kapurapurawan Rock Formation

This is my first solo travel. Never miss this place when you go to Ilocos Norte.

Here’s how to go to  Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos, Ilocos Norte via Bus (Public Transport)

Partas Bus, Philippine Rabbit, Fariñas, and Dominion Bus are the most common buses that travel to Laoag.  Check their travel schedule at least one day before your trip:

Partas Bus Pasay Terminal:  (+63 2) 852 – 8194
Partas Bus Cubao Terminal:  (+63 2) 727 – 8278
Dominion Bus:   (+63 2) 741 – 4146 ; (+63 2) 727 – 2350 ;  (+63 2) 731 – 4780

Ilocos day1

Through experience i’ve learned that there will always be a beautiful side in every situation, every place, and every person. It is not innate for someone to appreciate the goodness of life and disregard the downside of it, it is a skill which is acquired through constant practice and experiences.

Last night we had a fight with my boyfriend and so with my aim of finding diversion, I decided to go traveling on my own. Then I found myself bound to the Ilocos Region. I departed at almost 12am from Partas bus lines and arrived at Laoag Ilocos Norte past 10am. It was definitely a long ride and I haven’t eaten anything for dinner so I was really starving. Right after i boarded off the bus i made a haste in finding something to eat. Alas! I found “Mang Inasal”. Try imagining a girl with a man’s appetite.

After eating a man’s meal, I roamed around the area, took pictures of anything that interests me and some “selfie’s of course given the fact that i have no one to take picture of me. Then I took a bus going to Bangui windmill, it was an hour and a half ride, i was dropped off the highway and i took a tricycle going to the windmill. The fare was overpriced i think depending on the proximity of the place. I paid 200 pesos for the two way fare, oh well I think it was fine cause the tricycle driver serve as my photographer during my stay at the windmill.

My day wasn’t over yet, I took a bus going to Pagudpud. I read a blog regarding home stays at Brgy. Saud so I have a definite destination this time. Allen’s home stay it was, never a single regret. They welcomed me with that familiar Filipino hospitality, warm and kind. Tomorrow, i’ll head back to other amazing spots and visit Vigan before I head back to Manila.

It’s my first time to travel solo and the experience was superb. I’ll post more for the expenses and itineraries on my day2 blog.

My Love Affair

Caleruega with Mt Batulao as the background

Life is all about taking chances, every individual struggles everyday in pursuit of their own happiness. Few might be brave enough to risk everything to achieve their ultimate longings and most might be too weak to fight for their heart’s desires. I wonder whether I belong to the majority or the exceptional ones.

I want to share you something about the man I love. Well, he’s not the most handsome guy in town but he has the most atypical way on how to make his woman special.

He might not be the varsity type and maybe not as strong as one but he has a valiant heart of an adventurer. He can endure the scorching heat of the sun and hike for hours just to be with the woman he loves.

He sometimes is fanciful but he’s a very selfless man. He will give his girl the last drop of water and endure his own thirst. He will give her the last bite even if he’s still hungry. He will give his jacket just to keep her warm and will do everything just to keep her safe.

He might have a bad reputation and has done stupid things in his past but I’ve given him the chance and I love the man I know. Truth is, I don’t care who he was, I care about the person I will mold him to be. I’ve given him my trust and I believe that someday he will be a great man because of me. I don’t care what he does for a living nor how much money he makes, I care about his dreams and I’ll be there as he makes it come true.

People around us may not understand my choices and they’re not entitled for an explanation. They just don’t see what I see, can’t listen as I do. What they know is superficial, they can only understand what their mind can process. They say  I’m stupid and is being blinded by love. They’re totally wrong. I definitely know his flaws, how immature he is, how weak he could be, the dark things of his past and the wrong decisions he made. I know his flatteries and his lies but thing is, my love is greater than all his negative traits and I accepted them all with the aim of helping him change.

Today is our 4th month being together, maybe it’s too early to say that what we have will last forever but who cares about forever anyway? We are living in the present and we should enjoy being in love, marvel at different things and live life like tomorrow is the end.

Burot beach
looking good together

My Love Affair to Mountains: Mt. Talamitam

Mt. Talamitam in Nasugbu, Batangas is 630 MASL, with a difficulty of 3/9.

This is my 7^th summit and one of the most remarkable climb I would say, misadventures are part of the game but this climb was full of it and that’s what made it challenging. It was supposed to be an easy, minor climb but because of the weather and unexpected events, we ended trekking at night time under the rain. We arrived at the jump off point at around 6:15 pm and started our trek instantly, you can imagine the trail with the rainy weather, it was slippery and muddy. Kudos to Columbia hiking shoes, it never failed me.

It was raining when we started the trek, we had no raincoat or any protection from the rain but still we kept going. We passed through an unstable trail on the latter part of our trek, it was dark and the right trail wasn’t visible anymore. I wasn’t even prepared for a night trek, no headlamps whatsoever; I still visualize the scenario of me holding a basic cell phone with a flashlight on my right hand while my left hand was struggling to pass against the tall grasses. It was indeed a challenge, a part of my mind was thinking, I could have stayed at home and enjoyed the comfort of my own bed yet I instantly came to the realization that this is what I love to do and the challenge uplifted my spirit to keep going.

with the ANITO mountaineers

After all the hardships, we arrived at the summit at around 8pm. It’s not the end of the drama cause even setting up the tent gave us headaches. it was my first camping, so you would imagine the drama.

mt. Talamitam

view from the summit of Mt. talamitam

Mt. Talamitam

Mt. Talamitam

Mt. Talamitam

Mt. Talamitam

freedom 🙂

sunrise at Mt. Talamitam

sunrise at Mt. Talamitam

Hacienda’s de Naga Adventure

Hacienda’s de Naga

If you are looking for an adventure of all sort, this is the best place to go.

 

 

Haciena’s de Naga

 

wall climbing

 

rappelling

 

zipline

 

fishing

 

horseback riding

 

horseback riding

 

biking

 

biking

 

atv riding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Missing Palawan, Philippines

Dos Palmas Resort Palawan

 

Dos Palmas Resort

 

Dos Palmas Resort Palawan

Dos Palmas Resort

diving platform Dos Palmas

 

Underground River Palawan

Underground River Palawan

Daraga, Albay

We are weekend warriors indeed. I’m guilty of being busy, so I’m always posting late. We visited Albay on the first weekend of July, I travelled with my sister who have visited Bicol for three times, a real wanderlust and a sucker for beautiful places. It was long hours of travel, about 11 hrs from Cubao to Naga and another 2 hrs from the city of Naga to Daraga, Albay. We met my sister’s friend at Daet, Cam Sur before heading to Naga. We checked in at Sampaguita Inn for 800 pesos for 1 day. It was a pretty good deal, room is quite spacious for 3 and it includes 3 single beds, hot shower and the room is fully air-conditioned plus the terrace overlooking Naga river.

 

 

 

Albay

 

morning at Naga

We travelled at night so we didn’t get enough sleep but we only had 2 days to spend so we headed to Cagsawa Ruins and Lignon Hill on our first day. It was a pretty amazing and historical place. Mt. Mayon is really majestic, I wish to conquer this mountain someday. It was formerly called “Daragang Magayon” a Bicol dialect which means beautiful maiden which is very suitable for such a beauty.

Cagsawa Ruins